CD Reviews

Muddy Lives!

B. Lockhart | Davis, CA USA | 11/21/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I was prepared to be disappointed by this disc. I saw Muddy, Pinetop, and Willie "Big Eyes" Smith (I can't recall the other players now) play an outdoor show in Southern Illinois when I was just a college kid in the mid '70s. I was simply blown away then, and have kept my eye open for any live Muddy from that period since. When I happened upon this disc, I jumped at the chance to get it, (on half.com by the way), but with serious doubts it could even get close to that mythic show. After the fourth song, "Long Distance Call" (one of three recordings from the '70s; the rest are from 1965-68) I was sold. Although the recordings, especially the earlier ones from the '60s, are low-fi, Muddy's magnificence shines right through. Each song is a gem. Get it if you can."